Map of England showing where the Thwaites arms are recorded
The Thwaites arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1614.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Thwaites arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Thwaites Family in England
The surname Thwaites originates from the Old Norse word *thveit*, which refers to a piece of cleared land or a meadow carved out of a forest. This etymology suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family were likely settlers who worked to transform wild, wooded areas into productive farmland in northern and eastern England. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk, as evidenced by records from 1614. During this period, the name was often associated with families who held modest status as landowners or yeoman farmers. These individuals played a vital role in the local economy by managing the rural landscape and participating in the social life of their parish communities. Over time, the family name spread from these early agricultural roots to become a fixture in the historical records of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a cross sa. fretty or”
DublinDublin, c. 1687
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Thwaites arms are recorded
The Thwaites arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1687.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in England when the Thwaites arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Thwaites Family in Ireland
The family name Thwaites originates from Old Norse, referring to a clearing in a forest or a piece of land reclaimed for farming. While the name has deep roots in Northern England, it became established in Ireland by the late seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the Thwaites family were living in Dublin by 1687, likely arriving as part of the broader migration of English settlers during the seventeenth century. These early settlers in Dublin often integrated into the city’s growing commercial and professional sectors. Over the following generations, the family expanded beyond the capital, with branches appearing in various parts of the country. Their presence in the historical record during this period reflects the movement of families across the Irish Sea and their subsequent adaptation to life in a changing Irish society.
Thwaites Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
thveit
Old Norse term for an area of cleared land or meadow.
This name
ThwaitesRefers to someone who lived near a clearing or a parcel of land carved out of a forest.
also spelled
Thwaytes
Thwaits
Thwates
Related arms
Shepherdsame arms
Thwaitsvariant spelling
Thwaytesvariant spelling
Ameredithrecorded with Thwaites, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Registers of Norfolk, 1614
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
